Nick & Hayden's 2014 MLB Preview: 21. Colorado Rockies

Todd Helton's reaction as he filed for retirement and said "Adios" to the Rockies

21. Colorado Rockies

by Nick Opich

“I said you got me where you want me again, And I can’t turn away

I’m hanging by a thread and I’m feelin’ like a fool

I’m stuck here in between the shadows of my yesterday

I want to get away

I need to get away”

“Back Against The Wall” – Cage the Elephant

Colorado Rockies fans suffered through a lot in 2013. Before the season began, first baseman and face of the franchise, Todd Helton, was arrested for DUI in February. Then, while on their way to last place finish in the NL West, Helton announced that he would retire at the end of the season. In November, Co-Owner Charlie Monfort was also arrested for DUI and in December his brother and fellow owner, Dick Monfort, told fans that they should only expect their team to “compete a couple times every five years.”

Rockies fans were begging for some positive news.

Colorado was active in the rumor mill early this offseason and were linked to a number of big name free agents like Jose Dariel Abreu, Brian McCann, and Joaquin Benoit. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to sign any of them.

Then, for a still perplexing reason, they traded away outfielder Dexter Fowler to Houston for pitcher Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes. Fowler was a popular target for many teams this offseason and it was assumed that any trade involving him would involve valuable pieces coming back to Colorado. Instead they got a pitcher who may be the team’s 5^th starter and a guy who owns a career .612 OPS in the majors. Rockies fans reactions across the internet were understandably negative.

But in an effort to improve their big league club, the Rockies took a chance on Justin Morneau’s career being resurrected in the high altitude of Denver and gave him a two year contract. They also acquired SP Brett Anderson and OF Drew Stubbs and sent away lefty relievers Drew Pomeranz and Josh Outman to the Athletics and Indians respectively. You could argue the Rockies will be better this season but Monfort’s prediction of 90 wins – a 16-game improvement – in 2014 seems highly unrealistic.

So Rockies fans just sit back, have a drink and enjoy socializing at the new party deck at Coors Field because the last thing you’re going to want to do is watch this team. 

Most Valuable Asset to a Rockies Fan's 2014.

1.      Last Year and Offseason

a.       74-88

b.      Traded Drew Pomeranz to OAK for Brett Anderson

c.       Traded Josh Outman to CLE for Drew Stubbs

d.      Traded Jonathan Herrera to BOS for Franklin Morales

e.       Traded Dexter Fowler to HOU for CF Brandon Barnes and RHP Jordan Lyles

f.       Signed Justin Morneau and Boone Logan

2.      Projected Lineup/Rotation

           Lineup:

1.   Corey Dickerson/Drew Stubbs LF

2.      Michael Cuddyer RF

3.       Carlos Gonzalez CF

4.      Troy Tulowitzki SS

5.       Justin Morneau 1B

6.       Wilin Rosario C

7.      Nolan Arenado 3B

8.      D.J. LeMahieu 2B

Rotation:

1.       Jorge De La Rosa

2.       Jhoulys Chacin

3.       Brett Anderson

4.      Tyler Chatwood

5.     Franklin Morales

3.      Fav/Least

a.       Nick's Favorite – Arenado and Rosario

b.      Hayden's Favorite – Cuddyer and Morneau reunited

c.       Nick's Least Favorite – Fowler Trade/ Cargo in CF

d.      Hayden's Least Favorite – Rotation; Didn’t trade Tulo or CarGo, but it’s fine

4.      Impact Player

a.       Troy Tulowitzki

b.      Hockey Player hair, needs to play baseball player # of games

c.       2009-2011 there was no better SS

d.      Still puts up great slash line, but needs to play more games

e.       Good K-BB ratio

5.      Prospect

a.       Kyle Parker – 24 yr old

b.      1^st Rd pick in 2010; QB at Clemson

c.       Corner OF w/ very strong arm, average speed

                                                              i.      Spot may open if Cuddyer/Morneau platoon or Stubbs struggles

d.      Can drive to right field

e.       Slow bat, walks a lot, does strike out a fair amount as well

f.       Good power potential in Coors

g.      Definitely will see time

6.      Mid-season Status

a.       Sellers, battling Padres over last place in NL West

7.      Bold Prediction

a.       74-88 – 3 yrs in a row!

b.      They sell off a good amount of talent midseason

c.       Finishes 4^th! Not 5^th.

d.      Trade Michael Cuddyer to DET for 2B Devon Travis and RHP Endrys Briceno

Podcast Playlist:
"Fortune Faded" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues" by Bob Dylan